Research and Get Interviewed Off Craig’s List
By Kevin Donlin | January 23rd, 2009
This is a developing story, but I wanted to quickly share with you an email from a reader I got today that proves the value of researching employers and then customizing them resumes and cover letters you send them.
We first spoke on Wednesday. She called to thank me for the presentation I gave last Tuesday at the Star Tribune Career Expo.
(Tip: Almost anyone will take your call if it’s a genuine compliment. No kissing up, mind you — she was actually in the audience and had specific comments to make about my speech).
She was energized by the ideas in my presentation and ready to change her job search for the better.
Here’s her email to me — simple lessons to follow below:
> From: E. Z.
> Subject: re: …THanks
> To: “Kevin Donlin”
> Date: Friday, January 23, 2009, 12:14 AM>Kevin,
>Because we talked yesterday I had two job offers from two Craigs List listings both call me back within one hour!
>I did research before I sent the email, (I hadn’t done that before).
>I searched to see if there was a web site that matched the email address on Google and both gave me info about the focus of the company and service they offer and I was able to personalize the email.
>I found a phone number on the first site, I called and was able to talk to the woman hiring. It didn’t pay what I desire,but it was a good experience and gave me confidence.
>The second job offer was a great fit, we talked on the phone and I’m meeting for a Monday training event.
>Thanks!
>E.Z.
Two takeaway lessons for your job search:
1)Research every employer you apply to that you really want to work for. Not doctoral-dissertation-level research — just find out enough information so you can talk intelligently about them, their problems, and their opportunities. You’ll instantly set yourself apart from the hordes of job hunters who are too scatterbrained or lazy to look this stuff up on Google or LinkedIn.
2) Email alone is rarely enough and can never convey your true personality. The solution to both problems is as close as your phone. It is your phone. Pick it up and call employers you really want to work for, if only to give them a heads-up that your resume is coming and to drop one pertinent fact that you found in your research.
Who knows? What you think may be a quick phone call could turn into a long, friendly conversation or a telephone interview right on the spot — it’s happened to my clients and readers many times.
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More on this as I get details from “E.Z.,” my reader, but she’s psyched up about her interview/offer meeting on Monday.
Resource: Guerrilla Job Search Home Study Course.
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